North Texas residents see mail delays after mercury spill

The North Texas Processing and Distribution Center in Coppell closed after about 4 gallons of mercury was spilled Tuesday. The postal inspector said the mercury came from a mailed package. The U.S. Postal Service didn’t offer details on the package or who mailed it.

No one was injured in the incident. Hazmat teams have contained the spill.

Many residents in North Texas said they haven’t received their mail since Tuesday. Allen resident Marion Parker said she’s had an empty mailbox for two days.

“People that have P.O. boxes and have businesses and everything, they’re getting packages and mail all the time,” said Manny Vasquez, another resident whose mail hasn’t been delivered. “It’s really important for us so hopefully we get it resolved.”

Shaun Mossman, vice president for U.S. Postal Service Southern Area operations, told customers Wednesday that the center is working to minimize service disruptions but that temporary delays are possible.

Incoming mail is being rerouted until the center reopens.

“All mail is safe and is kept secured throughout the handling process, so customers expecting mail or packages can be assured their items will be delivered as soon as possible,” the Postal Service said in a statement.

Mossman told customers to wait at least seven days before declaring mail lost.